Money & Payments
Paying for things in China changed completely after 2024. Alipay and WeChat Pay now link international Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Discover cards directly through the Tour Card feature, with a fee waiver under 200 RMB per transaction. Cash is still accepted but rare. ATMs, currency exchange at Bank of China, and what happens when your card "doesn't work" at the merchant.
8 answers
Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China with international credit cards?
Bind Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Discover, Diners, or UnionPay directly in Alipay or Weixin Pay — Tour Pass is retired in 2026.
Do I need both Alipay and WeChat Pay for China?
Use Alipay TourCard for daily payments; metro, taxi, restaurants, and shops cover 90% of spend on a foreign Visa or Mastercard.
Can I use cash or credit cards in Shanghai or do I need Alipay
Install Alipay before flying and link Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Discover; verification can take 24 hours.
Can I use cash in Shanghai or do I need Alipay
Install Alipay before departure and verify your passport over Wi-Fi at home; in-China verification can stall for 24 hours.
How does the cashless payment system work for travelers in China?
Link a foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners card directly to Alipay or WeChat Pay — no Chinese bank account required.
What is the most cost-effective method for topping up a Tourist Octopus card in Hong Kong to avoid hidden currency conversion fees?
Use the Octopus App for Tourists on iPhone X or later: zero top-up fee with foreign Mastercard, Visa, or UnionPay via Apple Pay.
What advice is available for purchasing gold jewelry while visiting Hong Kong?
Buy from Chow Tai Fook, Luk Fook, or Chow Sang Sang on Nathan Road or Queen's Road — all three carry QC hallmarks and chain receipts.
What are the best payment methods for travelers in China, and are credit cards or cash widely accepted?
Link Visa or Mastercard to Alipay before flying — fee-free under ¥200, 3% above; setup takes 15 minutes per app.